have designs on

Idioms  

1. Contrive a secret plot or scheme, especially with selfish motives. For example, I think he has designs on my job, or Mary has designs on her sister's boyfriend. This term uses design in the sense of “a crafty plan,” a usage dating from about 1700.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

have designs on

Even in this up and down season, the province will have designs on winning this trophy but it's a tough assignment first up with an away day in France.

From BBC ● Apr. 6, 2024

Jean Nouvel, Gustavo Dudamel have designs on ‘Marriage of Figaro’

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 3, 2023

The Reign have designs on their first title after entering the playoffs last year as the No. 1 seed before losing in the semis to the Kansas City Current.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 19, 2023

But Hot Wheels could just as well end up being a film to watch out for, especially if Warner Bros. and Mattel have designs on it becoming their answer to Universal’s Fast & Furious franchise.

From The Verge ● Apr. 25, 2022

He peppered Lawrence with pointed gossip about rival institutions that might have designs on him.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik